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Campus Safety & Security at Williams 2008

"Campus Safety & Security at Williams 2008" includes campus safety policies and procedures and statistics concerning campus crime for the calendar years 2007, 2006, and 2005.  It is for students and employees, parents, prospective students and prospective employees, and it describes steps to prevent and respond to crime, and how students, faculty, and staff can work together to maintain a safe community.  The booklet complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

NEW - Click here to see the online PDF format of the booklet or see the table of contents below.

Table of Contents

  1. Campus Safety Committee
  2. The Campus Safety & Security Department
  3. Maintaining a Safe Community
  4. Campus Safety & Security at Williams
  5. Emergency Phones
  6. Escort Services
  7. Residence Halls
  8. Telephones
  9. Fire Safety
  10. Academic Buildings
  11. Education
  12. Crime Prevention
  13. Security Alerts
  14. Responsibility
  15. Alcohol and Other Drugs
    1. Alcohol Awareness
    2. Illegal Drugs
    3. Help For Alcohol and Drug Abuse
  16. Weapons
  17. Sexual Assault
    1. Sex Offender Community Notification
    2. Excerpt from the Student Handbook
  18. Definitions of Crimes
  19. Security at Williams Satellites
  20. Emergency Telephone Numbers
  21. Additional Copies of the Campus Safety & Security at Williams brochure

The Campus Safety Committee

The Campus Safety Committee consists of students, faculty, and administrators.  The goal of the committee is to determine general policy relating to safety concerns in all aspects of campus life throughout the year.  Members of the committee identify potential risks, address issues concerning fire safety, lighting, locking systems, and emergency telephones.  They assist in the development and implementation of the comprehensive Emergency Response Plan for the College community.

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The Campus Safety & Security Department

The primary goal of the Campus Safety & Security (CSS) Department is to protect life and property.

The Campus Safety & Security Department is located in the basement of Hopkins Hall.  The phone number is 597-4444.  CSS reports to the Dean of the College.  The CSS staff includes the director of campus safety, an associate director, an operations supervisor, two (2) patrol supervisors, a security systems coordinator, a secretary, ten (10) full-time officers, two (2) part-time officers, three (3) full-time dispatchers, and three (3) part-time dispatchers.  The department provides protection and services 24 hours a day.

CSS Officers must complete 50 hours of training at the New England Campus Security Officer Training Academy held at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine.  Officers also attend workshops and training seminars that are relevant to campus safety and security.  Crime prevention information, security surveys, and presentations are available through crime prevention officers who are trained and certified through the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Council.

CSS Officers do not have powers of arrest, but cooperate with local law enforcement agencies.  The CSS Department and the Williamstown Police Department monitor each other's radio transmissions.

Non-emergency requests for service or assistance may have to be delayed while officers respond to emergency calls.

The CSS Department maintains four fully equipped cruisers and also offers a bike patrol.  CSS Officers patrol the College's buildings and grounds.  In many cases, they are the first to respond to emergencies on campus.

The Town of Williamstown provides 911 emergency service.  It can be reached from any campus phone by dialing 9-911 and should be used in any life-threatening situation.  CSS Officers will provide mutual aid to the local police, ambulance, or fire department. CSS Officers are first responder trained.

CSS Officers enforce College rules and regulations, issue parking tickets, and respond to fire alarms, card access door alarms, and intrusion alarms.  CSS provides many routine services to the community, including the unlocking of rooms for authorized members of the student body, faculty, or staff.

The CSS Office is open Monday-Friday, 9AM to 4PM, to register cars, replace ID cards, and to handle Lost & Found items.

During the academic year, the department provides a student security monitor patrol and escort service during evening hours.

Further information about the Campus Safety & Security Department and crime prevention information can be obtained by calling the CSS Office at 597-4343.

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Maintaining a Safe Community

Williams College and Williamstown are relatively safe communities but no community is crime-free.  To ensure your own security and that of your friends and colleagues, take care and use common sense.  By following the suggestions outlined in this pamphlet you can substantially reduce the possibility of becoming a victim.

  • If you witness or are the victim of a crime, call 9-911 or CSS at x4444, immediately.
  • Report suspicious circumstances or persons to CSS, x4444.  Crimes often occur in clusters.  If you report a crime immediately, you might prevent the next crime.
  • Anonymous, threatening, or harassing telephone calls are illegal and the College regards them as a serious offense.  Immediately report obscene or harassing phone calls to CSS, 4444.  The College has equipment to track calls originating on campus, and the CSS Office can assist you in tracing the calls.  If you receive a harassing phone call, push the flash button or depress the switch hook.  After hearing a three tone confirmation, dial * 8 #.  This will activate the tracking system.
  • Do not walk alone in the evening.  Avoid using ATM machines late at night.  Walk in groups or call the College Escort Service, 4400.  To call for an escort from the Mission Park Parking lot, speak into the microphone located at the east or west end of the lot.  Security monitors these microphones at all times.
  • Call Facilities, x2486, to report broken locks, lights, or phones.
  • Do not work alone in secluded places or use laundry facilities alone at night.  CSS offers a Whistle Defense, and students can request whistles free of charge.
  • Do not allow strangers into the dormitories.  If you are unsure of anyone's identity, it is appropriate to ask for a College ID or call CSS to report a stranger.
  • Respect the card access system.  Do not prop open doors or tamper with the card system in any way.
  • Always lock your room door when you sleep and when you leave your room - this may be the single greatest deterrent to crime on campus.
  • Lock your car and check the back seat of your car before getting into it.
  • Register your bicycle at CSS and always lock your bike to a bike rack.
  • Familiarize yourself with the emergency and fire safety procedures for the buildings you use; take fire drills seriously and do not tamper with any fire safety equipment.
  • Protect your property: record any identifying marks or serial numbers before someone has a chance to steal it.  Security has the equipment to engrave your property (name, social security number or driver's license number) and will assist you in inventorying your personal items.  Please call them during regular business hours.  There is no charge for these services.

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Campus Safety & Security at Williams College

No community can expect to eliminate crime, but Williams College is strongly committed to providing resources that promote personal safety, campus security, and a safe environment.  The College's CSS program includes a number of professional, educational, and preventative components.

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Emergency Phones

Yellow emergency phones are located on the exterior of the dorms next to the card readers.  There are also 24 emergency phones topped by a blue light located throughout the campus.  Pushing the red emergency button on any emergency phone will connect you directly with the CSS Department's emergency response line.  You may also reach 911 emergency service by pushing the black button for a dial tone and dialing 9-911.  If you wish to reach CSS, dial 4444 from any College phone, including the yellow emergency phones.

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Escort Services

An after-dark, walking escort service is provided for all students, faculty, and staff.  To request an escort, contact the Student Escort Service at x4400 from dusk to 2am or CSS at x4444 during other times.

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Residence Halls

All student residence halls have electronic locking systems, which are accessed by validated ID cards.  CSS can invalidate lost or stolen cards and provide a temporary replacement ID card 24 hours a day.  Deliberate damage to the access control system may result in a fine, the cost of repairing the equipment, and/or disciplinary action, including suspension.  All student bedrooms have individual locks.  Each student is issued a key to his or her room.

Only authorized individuals are permitted in these buildings; the student residences are private property and trespassers will be prosecuted.  Guests are permitted in the buildings, with hosts responsible for their guests' actions.  Facilities personnel wear identification badges and have access only from 6AM to 5PM Monday through Friday.  (Note: The College does not supervise seniors granted the privilege of living off-campus.) During low occupancy periods (ex. spring recess) some residences will be designated as temporary housing for students who are authorized to remain on campus. During these periods, only the authorized students will have IDs validated to access the electronic card readers on the residences. All other residences will be closed. Students are advised about safety concerns and precautions during periods of low occupancy on campus.

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Telephones

Telephone wiring is provided to most sleeping rooms, or in the case of some suite arrangements, to a suite common room.  There is also an emergency phone located next to every card reader, and a campus phone in a public area of each residential house or dormitory.

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Fire Safety

Each College dormitory contains a fire alarm system that communicates directly to the CSS Department.  The communicator is tested daily. 

Emergency lights, exit lights, and fire extinguishers are inspected every thirty (30) days.  In addition, halls and stairwells are inspected for any clutter that might hinder access or egress.  Fire alarms are cleaned and tested by Fire Safety, CSS, and Telecom technicians annually per NFPA requirements.

The CSS Department and the Safety & Environmental Compliance staff conduct two (2) scheduled fire drills during the academic year.  The scheduled drills usually occur in September and April.

There is an ongoing renovation plan for dormitories that replaces and updates fire alarm systems and includes the addition of sprinkler systems as necessary. All College owned residences are equipped with sprinkler systems, hard-wired smoke detectors and battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors.

All college buildings are now smoke-free.  Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of any college building.

Further information concerning fire safety can be obtained by contacting the Manager of Safety & Environmental Compliance, Facilities, 60 Latham St., Williamstown, MA 01267 or by calling 413-597-2406.

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Academic Buildings

Most academic buildings (e.g., Sawyer Library, Stetson Hall) are open during the day and early evening, but are locked at night.  A few facilities have card access locks and are accessible 24 hours a day to students with a valid ID.  These include the Unified Science Center, Goodrich Hall, the Multicultural Center houses (Hardy, Jenness, and Rice), Jesup Hall, the Career Counseling Library in Stetson Hall, the '62 Center for Theatre & Dance, and the Paresky Student Center.

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Education

The CSS Department, The Campus Life Department, the Campus Safety Committee, and the Dean's Office work to make the campus aware of security issues through a variety of methods including education programs, publications, posters, and notices.  Campus Life works with student organizations to help plan events that are held on campus. 

Workshops on date rape are offered to all first-year students and Junior Advisors, and any group upon request.  Student organizations also sponsor information sessions on a wide range of topics relevant to campus life.

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Crime Prevention

The CSS Department offers crime prevention services under the direction of crime prevention officers who are trained and certified through the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Academy.  The mission is to increase community awareness about the risks of crime through the distribution of literature, crime prevention presentations that are available to members of the college community, security surveys, personal item inventories, bicycle registration, and Crime Prevention Alerts.  These alerts can be found here on the department's website, and are posted in various locations on campus for the purpose of making community members aware, in a timely manner, of current criminal activity within our community.

The department promotes programs such as "Operation ID," through which students can have personal items engraved with identification numbers free of charge, and "Operation Whistle Defense," through which self-defense whistles are distributed to the college community.

The CSS Department also offers a 15-hour course in R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense).  The course is open to all female students and consists of crime prevention, risk reduction, crime awareness, and basic physical defense techniques that provide options to the woman who may be faced with sexual assault.  Further information regarding the R.A.D. program can be obtained here on the Security Department's website.

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Security Alerts

The Dean of the College and director of CSS inform the college community immediately of crimes or incidents reported on or near campus that may pose a security threat.  These reports are usually distributed to every student mailbox and to every employee.  Updates are provided to the community, as appropriate, on relevant criminal investigations.

Williams College uses the Connect-Ed system for sending emergency messages to students, faculty and staff. Timely mass notification is accomplished by sending voice or text message alerts to cell phones and email accounts.

 

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Responsibility

Williams has taken prudent steps to promote a safe and secure environment, but no institution can guarantee safety against all risks.  Responsibility for crime prevention is shared jointly by you and all other members of the College community.

Members of the Community - The cooperation and involvement of individuals in a campus safety program is absolutely necessary.  Individuals must assume responsibility for their own personal safety and the security of their personal belongings by taking simple, common sense precautions.  Crime prevention depends largely on following sound safety practices, as well as recognizing and immediately reporting all suspicious or criminal activity.  Please re-read the suggestions for safety included in this brochure.  There is much you can do to protect yourself and others.

The Office of the Dean - The Dean's Office is responsible for all aspects of student life.  Through a cooperative effort with the CSS Department, Campus Life, and the Campus Safety Committee, the Dean's Office helps to coordinate many projects that lower the risk of campus crime.  Deans are available to help students in coping with a crime or incident and/or to discuss issues relevant to campus life.  At least one dean is on call 24 hours a day.

Health Center -The Health Center is open 8:30am-9:00pm, Mon-Fri and 1pm-8pm, Sat-Sun. Resources are available to support students who have medical or psychological concerns. All services are completely confidential.

The health educators are responsible for training and programming regarding sexual assault, sexual harassment, and alcohol/drug use and abuse.  The health educators offer educational programs regarding date rape and sexual assault, and offers information and referrals dealing with a variety of concerns, including alcohol and other drug addiction.

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Alcohol and Other Drugs

The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or controlled substances is prohibited by local, state, and federal laws.  The College does not protect students, faculty, or staff from these laws.  Furthermore, the College expects all actions within the community to be respectful of the rights of others and to contribute to an environment conducive to education and personal growth.

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Alcohol Awareness

In Massachusetts, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or possess alcohol.  It is illegal for anyone to present false evidence of age to purchase any alcoholic beverage.  It is illegal to sell or give away alcoholic beverages to a person who is, actually or apparently, under 21 or intoxicated.

Students who host, monitor, or coordinate parties where alcohol is served are required to complete training with staff members from Campus Life and the Health Center.  Students learn the legal and social responsibilities of serving alcohol and learn effective intervention techniques.  This program also reflects state and local laws governing the use and distribution of alcohol, recognizing the rights of individuals who are 21 years of age or older to consume alcohol in a legal manner.  It is important to become informed about the ways that alcohol affects the body.

Massachusetts has drunk driving laws, which stipulate major penalties for operating motor vehicles under the influence of alcohol.  The law also establishes "zero tolerance" for blood alcohol level in drivers ages 16-21.  For such drivers, any alcohol level greater than .02 (roughly equivalent to one drink or one beer) will result in automatic on-the-spot revocation of their driver's license.  The College cautions everyone about the dangers of drinking and driving.  Avoiding this combination could save your life and the lives of your friends or others on the road, as well as help you to avoid possible prosecution.

The College affirms the right of individuals to choose not to drink alcoholic beverages, and the right to be socially supported by the College community in that choice.  Further discussion of this issue is contained in the Student Handbook and staff handbooks.

The College adopted a sanction program for addressing concerns about underage drinking.  During the initial intervention, an underage student may deal directly with a CSS officer or may be referred to a CSS supervisor.  Students may then be referred to a health educator or to a dean.  Each case will be handled on an individual basis to determine appropriate follow-up.  The Dean's Office will be notified and will become involved when disciplinary action is necessary.  In the event of medical emergencies involving alcohol or drugs, parental notification will occur and will be handled by either the Dean's Office or the Health Center.

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Illegal Drugs

Williams College is committed to the development and maintenance of a drug-free environment and, in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, will not tolerate the unlawful possession and use of drugs on its premises.

The College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of illegal drugs, or the unauthorized use of prescription drugs.  Whenever evidence of illegal drugs are found on campus, the Williamstown Police Department is contacted and responds to the location. The police will investigate and will determine the appropriate response based on Massachusetts state law.

Members of the community charged with violations of the standards of conduct are subject to disciplinary action through the established disciplinary procedures of the College.  When violations are determined to have occurred, the College will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees, consistent with local, state, and federal law.  Members of the community who have drug-related concerns are encouraged to use the professional services available at the Health Center, Counseling Center, or other organizations.  These services are completely confidential.  For further discussion of this issue, see the Student Handbook or staff handbooks.

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Help For Alcohol and Drug Abuse

If you suspect that you might have a substance abuse problem or are concerned about the substance abuse of a friend, you can talk in confidence with anyone in the Dean's Office, x4171, Health Center, x2206, CSS, x4444, Chaplain's Office, x2483, or Human Resources, x2681.

Substance abuse is not considered an excuse for dangerous or disruptive behavior.  If substance abuse has contributed to unacceptable behavior, disciplinary action may, in addition to other penalties, require the student to attend an educational workshop on alcohol abuse offered by the Health Center.

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Weapons

Williams forbids the possession or use on campus of firearms, slingshots, fireworks, mace, ammunition, air and spring guns, or hazardous chemicals.

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Sexual Assault

Sexual assaults, including date/acquaintance rape, are a very serious concern of Williams College.  The College investigates all reported incidents of sexual assault and cooperates fully with all such investigations by outside law enforcement agencies.  The survivor's confidentiality is protected in any investigation, and the College pledges to treat all sexual assault complaints with sensitivity, understanding, and professionalism.  All students, not only victims of sexual assault, should be familiar with the Disciplinary Proceedings detailed in the excerpt from the Student Handbook included below.

Statistics show that a very high percentage of date/acquaintance rapes involve the consumption of alcohol - by the rapist, by the victim, or by both.  Lower your risk of becoming a victim of sexual assault by responsible drinking, or not drinking at all, and with alertness in potentially threatening situations with anyone who may have been drinking.  It is never appropriate to force or pressure sexual acts on someone; intoxication is not a legal defense for sexual assault.

If you are the victim or witness of a sexual assault, Williams strongly encourages you to report it by calling 9-911, or CSS, x4444; the Dean's Office, x4171; or the Rape and Sexual Assault Network, 4100.  At least one dean is on call 24 hours a day.  Students who are trained to provide crisis counseling and legal advocacy staff the Rape and Sexual Assault Network hotline.  The College also offers immediate assistance to survivors through the services of the Sexual Assault Response Team.  A team member will immediately respond and will be available to provide counseling and support to the survivor during the first 48 hours.  The S.A.R.T. consists of trained volunteers from the administration, faculty, and staff.  Beyond the initial 48 hours, there are a number of on-campus counseling options.  Members of the Health Center staff, including the health educator and psychological services counselors, are available to meet with you at any time.  There is no cost for Williams services.  Off-campus counseling can be arranged through the local rape crisis center, community mental health agency, or private practitioners.  Fees for these services vary.

Williams recommends that all community members read the brochure entitled "Sexual Assault: Prevention and Response," which contains detailed information about sexual assault, practical advice to reduce the risk of attack, options for counseling and disciplinary action, and resources available on and off campus.  The brochure is mailed to every member of the College community at the beginning of each academic year.  In addition, the College offers several educational programs and activities concerning sexual assault.  The Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) course is open to all female students and consists of crime prevention, risk reduction, crime awareness, and basic physical defense techniques that provide options to the woman who may be faced with sexual assault.  All entering first-year students attend professional presentations, followed by entry talks which promote open discussion of sexual assault.  Junior Advisors are trained each year in dealing with sexual assault.  The Health Center provides educational programs available through the residential life system, as well as mock trials involving sexual assault in coordination with local agencies and the district attorney's office.  The College also funds and supports the Rape & Sexual Assault Network.

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Sex Offender Community Notification

The Williamstown Police Department releases information pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6 Section 178C-178P, which authorizes law enforcement agencies to release information that will enhance public safety and protection.  To access Sex Offender Registry information, please see the Sex Offender Registry Board website at http://sorb.chs.state.ma.us or by calling toll free 1.800.93.MAEGAN (MA only).

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from the Student Handbook

Sexual assault against adults may constitute any one or more of several crimes, including in particular rape and indecent assault and battery.  Under Massachusetts Law, both women and men may be victims of sexual assault and both may be assailants.

The criminal act of rape occurs when the offender "has sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse with a person and compels such person to submit by force and against his [or her] will, or compels such person to submit by threat of bodily injury." (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265, Section 22).  Rape may occur when the victim is unable to give consent because she or he is unconscious or because the victim's alcohol blood level negates her or his ability to give consent.  Rape may occur between people who know each other, and between people who have previously had consensual sexual relations.  Rape is punishable by up to twenty years imprisonment.  Heavier penalties may apply if the rape causes serious bodily injury, is the result of a group attack, or occurs while the assailant commits certain specified crimes such as robbery.  The crime of indecent assault and battery occurs when the offender, without the victim's consent, intentionally has physical contact of a sexual nature with the victim.  This contact may include an offender touching the breasts, buttocks, or pubic area of a woman or man.  Indecent assault and battery is punishable by up to five years imprisonment.

Sexual Assault will not be tolerated at Williams College.  Williams is a community based on trust whose very existence depends on adherence to standards of conduct set by its members.  Sexual assault is a crime punishable by both civil and criminal legal action and is a serious violation of the Williams College Standards of Conduct.  Students at Williams are charged with the responsibility of being familiar and abiding by the standards of conduct set forth herein.

The Office of the Dean of the College investigates alleged sexual assaults.  A student charged with an assault will be informed by a dean of the alleged violation.  Any student who is charged with an offense shall have a reasonable opportunity to make his or her defense in a respectful manner to the dean, and to the faculty-student Discipline Committee if the matter comes before that Committee.

Normally the Office of the Dean of the College decides disciplinary cases; however, a dean may choose to refer a case directly to the faculty-student Discipline Committee.  If acting on his or her own, a dean may impose such penalties as he or she deems appropriate and consistent with the College Laws and regulations.  Among the penalties a dean may consider are:

  • disciplinary warning (a letter from the dean, a personal interview, or both);
  • disciplinary probation for a specified period (sometimes with specified conditions, e.g., loss of eligibility to represent the College, restrictions of extra-curricular activities);
  • suspension for a specified time;
  • permanent expulsion.

When a dean decides a disciplinary case, he or she normally writes to inform the accused student of the decision, and to explain the decision to the accuser.  The accused and accuser must respond in writing to the dean, either accepting the dean's decision and penalties or asking to appeal the case to the Discipline Committee.  In the absence of response from either party within one week, any penalties imposed by the dean shall take effect.  Failure to appeal within one week does not preclude the possibility of subsequent appeal, but in all cases intention to appeal must be communicated to the dean, in writing, within three weeks of the initial communication of the decision.  Also, if the dean determines that the convicted student is a potential threat to the personal safety or security of individuals, then the dean may provisionally impose appropriate restrictions, during the week following his or her decision, without prejudice to the case.  All decisions of the faculty-student Discipline Committee shall be final except that no student shall be expelled without the assent of the President.

The faculty-student Discipline Committee hears and decides, either on direct referral by the Office of the Dean of the College or on appeal of a dean's decision, cases of alleged sexual assault.  The Discipline Committee chooses from the same selection of penalties as available to the Dean.  Procedures for this committee may be found on page 140 of the 2007-08 Student Handbook.

What To Do if You Are Assaulted

If you are assaulted:

  1. First and foremost, get to a safe place and call CSS, x4444, or the Williamstown Police ( 9-458-5733 or 9-911) as soon as possible.

  2. Get medical attention.  Go to the Health Center or to North Adams Regional Hospital.  Call CSS for a ride or have a trusted friend take you.  It is important to seek medical assistance immediately to make sure you are physically okay.  At this time (or within 72 hours of the assault) and with your permission, a specially trained member of the hospital Emergency Department may collect evidence of the assault by using a Rape Kit.  The collection of evidence is important in the event you decide to take legal action against the assailant.  Women survivors of sexual assault should also receive information about the morning-after-pill to reduce chances of pregnancy.  Even if 72 hours have expired, medical attention is still of great importance to check for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, etc.  No costs for the above exam or tests will be billed to you or to your insurance company.

  3. Report the Rape.  You have three options for reporting a sexual assault:

    OPTION ONE: On-campus

    Williams has made it easy to report an assault because there are a number of offices where a report can be made.  CSS x4444, the Dean's Office x4171 and the Health Center x2206.  Any of these initial contacts can help you decide on a next step or next steps.  We encourage you to report an incident to the College whether or not you want to pursue the case through the college's disciplinary system.  There are several reasons why this is important.  First, the College has resources that you can use to deal with the incident.  Second, it is important for the College to know about an incident in order to maintain the safety of the community.  Finally, the College offers a way to discipline the perpetrator if he or she is a member of the college community.  The wishes of the student who has been sexually assaulted are likely to predominate in any decisions regarding investigation, complaint, or determined outcome except when there is clear danger to one or more members of the community.  All deans and student affairs officials follow a written protocol developed especially for their use, which is consistent with College policies pertaining to sexual assault.

    This on-campus option is not exclusive of other reporting options.  All or some may be pursued concurrently.

    When you report an incident on campus, a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) member will respond and will listen carefully to what you have to say.  The first concern will be that you are taken care of both physically and emotionally.  Depending on your needs and wishes, this could include steps such as making sure you get medical attention, having a supportive friend notified and having access to counseling.  During this and subsequent meetings the primary role of the SART member is to be supportive of you during this difficult time.

    Once a report is made the Dean of the College is also notified.  The Dean will need to make certain that community safety is addressed.  If there is a danger to the community, the Dean will notify all members of the community.  All colleges are required by Federal law - The Jeanne Cleary Act of 1998 - to inform members of the campus about violent crimes that happen on campus.  Usually this is done through an all-campus mailing that provides the general details of the assault (e.g. time, location, type of assault, a description of the assailant, if he/she has not been identified).  The name of the survivor is never given.  Every effort is made to inform the assault survivor in person, by phone, and by e-mail before the mailing is distributed and to protect her or his identity.  The Dean can help in changing your academic and/or living situation if needed.  The Dean will also discuss the disciplinary procedures at the College and will tell you about your right to report the incident to the police.  That Dean will be available to talk with you in confidence and to assist you through the disciplinary process which will include an investigation of the incident to determine the facts of the case.

    Every attempt will be made to maintain confidentiality once a report of sexual assault is made.  Students should be aware, however, that reports of sexual assault may not be kept confidential in situations requiring timely notice to the College community.  In order to fulfill federal statistical reporting requirements, limited identifying information (date, time, and location of the assault) may be shared by the College with other school officials.

    OPTION TWO: Reporting to the Police

    It is the right of every survivor to work with a prosecutor, district attorney, or commonwealth attorney to pursue criminal prosecution and conviction of the perpetrator.  This is done, most often, by reporting the assault directly to the Williamstown Police Department (413-458-5733 or 9-911).  You may request assistance in reporting to the police from the CSS Department, the Dean on call, or a member of SART.  Reporting to the police does not commit you to further legal action but does make it easier for the police to investigate the crime if that is your wish.  Early reporting will increase the chances of a successful prosecution.

    The Williamstown Police Department has two officers who have special training and are certified by the state to investigate sexual assaults.  During your initial meeting with a police officer, you will be asked to tell what happened and what your attacker looked like or who your assailant was, if you know.  You may have a friend or other supportive person with you during this or any other interview with the police.  A SART member will be glad to accompany you as well.

    The police are responsible for investigating and the District Attorney's Office is responsible for prosecuting such crimes.  If you decide to prosecute and your case goes to trial, it will be handled by a member of the District Attorney's Office at the State's expense.  You will incur no costs.  In Berkshire County there is a Victim's Advocate Program which will work closely with you throughout the process.

    Massachusetts law requires that your name be kept in confidence.  Massachusetts General Laws-Chapter 265, Section 24C.  The period of limitation for filing criminal charges is fifteen years.

    OPTION THREE: Civil charges

    Survivors of sexual assault also have the right to pursue a civil suit for money damages against the perpetrator of a sex crime, and against any other negligent or tortious parties.  Civil suits are easier to win than criminal prosecutions, and may be pursued concurrently with other reporting options.  In order to pursue a civil suit, you should contact a civil attorney, who will often work for a contingency fee.  This means it will not cost you anything to sue unless you win and then the attorney will receive a percentage of your award as agreed upon in your contract.

  4. It is also very important for survivors to seek counseling.  Talk with a trained counselor who can help you deal with the effects of the sexual assault.  Counselors with special training in helping survivors of sexual assault are available at:
    Williams College Health Center x2206
    Williams College Psychological Counseling x2353
    Rape and Sexual Assault Network of Williams x4100
    The Dean's Office x4171
    Elizabeth Freeman Center 9-663-9709
    Other resources that may be helpful include:
    Peer Health x3140
    Chaplain's Office x2483

Statement of the Accuser's Rights

  • The right not to be discouraged from reporting by College officials
  • The right to be informed of their options to notify proper law enforcement authorities, and the option to be assisted by CSS or other college officials, in notifying such authorities, if the student so chooses
  • The right to assistance from a Dean or the Director of Campus Life in changing academic or living situations after an alleged sexual assault incident, if so requested
  • The right not to have irrelevant prior sexual history admitted in a campus hearing
  • The right to make a victim-impact statement to the hearing board and to have that statement considered by the board in determining its sanction
  • The right to a campus restraining order against another student who has engaged in or threatens to engage in stalking, threatening, harassing or other improper behavior that presents a danger to the welfare of the complaining student
  • The right to have complaints of sexual misconduct responded quickly and with sensitivity
  • The right to have sexual assault reports investigated and appropriately resolved/addressed by the College.

Statement of the Accused's Rights

  • The right to timely notices of charges, including the nature of the charge and possible sanctions
  • The right to a hearing on the charges, including timely notice of the hearing date and adequate time for preparation
  • The right to have basic rules of evidence observed in the hearing

Statement of Rights Common to Accuser and Accused

  • The right to be treated with respect by College officials
  • The right to have an advisor to accompany and assist in the campus hearing process.  This advisor can be anyone, including an attorney, but the advisor may not take part directly in the hearing itself, though they may communicate with the accused student as necessary
  • The right to be informed of the outcome and sanction of any disciplinary hearing involving sexual assault
  • The right to an appeal, under certain circumstances that should be determined by the College

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Definitions of Crimes - Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (The Clery Act)

CRIME DEFINITIONS FROM THE UNIFORM CRIME REPORTING HANDBOOK

Arson - Any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.

Manslaughter by Negligence - The killing of another person through gross negligence.

Murder and Nonnegligent Manslaughter - The willful (nonnegligent) killing of one human being by another.

Robbery - The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.

Aggravated Assault - An unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm. (It is not necessary that injury result from an aggravated assault when a gun, knife, or other weapon is used which could and probably would result in serious personal injury if the crime were successfully completed.)

Burglary - The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft. For reporting purposes this definition includes: unlawful entry with intent to commit a larceny or felony; breaking and entering with intent to commit a larceny; housebreaking; safecracking; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.

Motor Vehicle Theft - The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.  Includes all cases where automobiles are taken by persons not having lawful access even though the vehicles are later abandoned, including joyriding.

Larceny - The unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another.  (Motor vehicle theft is not included here and is counted separately.)

Weapon Law Violations - The violation of laws or ordinances dealing with weapon offenses, regulatory in nature, such as: manufacture, sale, or possession of deadly weapons; carrying deadly weapons, concealed or openly; furnishing deadly weapons to minors; aliens possessing deadly weapons; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.

Drug Abuse Violations - Violations of State and local laws relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing, and making of narcotic drugs. The relevant substances include: opium or cocaine and their derivatives (morphine, heroin, codeine); marijuana; synthetic narcotics (demerol, methadones); and dangerous nonnarcotic drugs (barbituates, benzedrine).

Liquor Law Violations - The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting: the manufacture, sale, transporting, furnishing, possessing of intoxicating liquor; maintaining unlawful drinking places; bootlegging; operating a still; furnishing liquor to a minor or intemperate person; using a vehicle for illegal transportation of liquor; drinking on a train or public conveyance; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned. (Drunkenness and driving under the influence are not included in this definition.)

SEX OFFENSES DEFINITIONS FROM THE NATIONAL INCIDENT-BASED REPORTING SYSTEM EDITION OF THE UNIFORM CRIME REPORTING PROGRAM

Forcible Sex Offenses - Any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person's will; or not forcibly or against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent.

  1. Forcible Rape - The carnal knowledge of a person, forcibly and/or against that person's will; or not forcibly or against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (or because of his/her youth).
  2. Forcible Sodomy - Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, forcibly and/or against that person's will; or not forcibly against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
  3. Sexual Assault With An Object - The use of an object or instrument to unlawfully penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, forcibly and/or against that person's will; or not forcibly or against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
  4. Forcible Fondling - The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, forcibly and/or against that person's will; or, not forcibly or against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental incapacity.

Nonforcible Sex Offenses - Unlawful, nonforcible sexual intercourse.

  1. Incest - Nonforcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
  2. Statutory Rape - Nonforcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.

OTHER CRIME DEFINITIONS

Hate Crimes - Specific crimes that are identifiable as a hate crime, including murder, manslaughter, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, forcible and non-forcible sex offenses in which the victim is intentionally selected because of actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability of the victim.

Bias-motivated Incident - Incidents that are not categorized into one of the listed criminal offenses but may include cases of written or verbal harassment, intimidation, destruction, damage or vandalism of property or graffiti in which the victim is intentionally selected because of actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability of the victim.

Any student, faculty member, or employee who is the victim of a bias-motivated incident or hate crime is encouraged to file a report immediately.  Timely response to these incidents is crucial.  Failure to report allows the incidents to remain hidden and may even allow them to escalate.  The College takes all reports seriously and will thoroughly investigate every incident and work with local law enforcement agencies whenever necessary.  Reports can be filed with the Williamstown Police Department, the Dean's Office, the Dean of Faculty, CSS Department, The Health Center, The Chaplain's Office, Multicultural Center, BGLTU Issues Coordinator, Human Resources, and the Sexual Harassment/Discrimination Advisors.

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Click Here for the past year's crime stats.


Security at Williams Satellites

Williams maintains small campuses in Oxford, England and at Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Conn.  Information on security issues at these satellite campuses can be obtained by writing the Director, Williams-Oxford Program, 1 Moreton Rd., Oxford OX2 7AX, England, or the Director, Maritime Studies Program, 50 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, CT 06355.


Emergency Numbers

TOWN POLICE 9-911
AMBULANCE 9-911
FIRE 9-911
Campus Safety & Security 4444
Escort Service 4400
Rape and Sexual Assault Network 4100
Psychological Counseling 2353
College Switchboard 0 / 3131
Health Center 2206
   
Town Police (non-emergency) 9-458-5733
Fire (non-emergency) 9-458-8113
Village Ambulance (non-emergency) 9-458-4889

The Town of Williamstown has an enhanced 911 emergency telephone system to which all College phones have access by dialing 9-911.  This should only be used in the case of an emergency - to save a life, report a fire, or stop a crime.  If calling from a cell phone dial (413) 458-5646.  Identify yourself and your location.  The appropriate emergency service will respond.

If you wish to reach CSS, dial 4444 from any College phone including the yellow emergency phones.

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Additional Brochure Copies

Additional copies of this brochure are available at the Campus Safety & Security Office, Box 368 Williamstown, MA 01267, phone 413-597-4343; the Office of Admission, Box 478, Williamstown, MA 01267-0487, phone 413-597-2211; or the Human Resources Office (413-597-2681).  The information in this brochure is updated and produced annually by the Campus Safety & Security Office.

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